Randolph College Hosts National Expert on Learning Differences
LYNCHBURG – Rick Lavoie, a nationally-respected expert in learning differences will speak at Randolph College April 9 at 4 p.m. in Smith Hall Theatre.
The free presentation is based on his new book, The Motivation Breakthrough: Six Secrets to Turn on the Tuned Out Child. Lavoie, an educator and acclaimed author, provides parents and educators with proven, effective tools and strategies they can use to encourage any child to learn and achieve success.
“Rick Lavoie’s talks and workshops provide participants with the opportunity to learn about people, programs, and practices that work to provide better lives for children who struggle in school,” said Peggy Schimmoeller, a Randolph professor and director of teacher education. “Teachers and parents in the Lynchburg area will experience first hand Rick Lavoie’s effective and proactive approaches to helping children with special learning needs meet with success in our schools. Meeting the needs of all children is the major goal of the No Child Left Behind legislations, and this talk will provide teachers with practical strategies to use in the classroom.”
The lecture is sponsored by Randolph College, New Vistas School, James River Day School, Lynchburg College, Centra Health, AREVA, and the Craddock-Terry Hotel.
Lavoie has served as an administrator of residential programs for children with special needs since 1972. He holds three degrees in special education and has served as an adjunct professor or visiting lecturer at numerous universities including Syracuse, Harvard, Gallaudet, Manhattanville College, University of Alabama, and Georgetown. His numerous national television appearances include CBS Morning Show, Good Morning America, ABC Evening News and Disney Channel Presents.
Lavoie serves as a consultant on learning disabilities to several agencies and organizations including Public Broadcasting Service, New York Times, National Center for Learning Disabilities, Girl Scouts of America, Child Magazine and WETA. He is a member of the Professional Advisor Board of the Learning Disabilities Association.
Lavoie has delivered his message to over 500,000 parents and professionals throughout North America. He has the distinction of having delivered Keynote Addresses for all three of the major special needs advocacy organizations in the United States (Learning Disabilities Association, Council for Exceptional Children, Children with Attention Deficit Disorder).
Lavoie has also held administrative positions at residential programs for thirty years. These experiences at residential school have provided him with a “living laboratory” in which he developed and refined his methods and philosophies related to the education of adolescents with special needs.
Lavoie is probably best known for his videos “How Difficult Can This Be?: The F.A.T. City Workshop” and “Last One Picked, First One Picked On: The Social Implications of Learning Disabilities”. These award-winning films have brought Lavoie’s sensitive and compelling message to countless thousands throughout the world. After viewing the videos, former First Lady Barbara Bush stated, “You really wowed us! I only wish that every parent and teacher in the United States today could also see your program.” His new video on behavior management is entitled “When the Chips are Down …” is now available through LD OnLine.
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